40 Best Mother’s Day Songs That Capture Your Unique Bond
A little Dolly Parton always does the trick.
Some of the most popular musical artists—from Dolly Parton and Beyoncé to Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift—have honored the women who brought them into the world through the gift of song. While there are numerous ways to show your love on Mother's Day—including, of course a meaningful gift, hand-written note, or even a matching tattoo, these heartfelt Mother's Day songs will set the stage for a perfect celebration, even if you're doting on her virtually this year.
Mother's Day tunes come in a wide range of sounds, styles, and themes. Poignant tracks like Blake Shelton's "The Baby" and Linda Ronstadt's "The Sweetest Gift" tell stories of a mother's unconditional love. Others, like Drake's "Look What You've Done" and Tupac's "Dear Mama," are filled with gratitude, reflecting on the everyday struggles of raising children from a place of respect and admiration.
Every parenting experience is singular and distinct, and the best music about motherhood acknowledges that specificity while still touching on greater themes about joy and sacrifice that can resonate with any listener. And if you're looking for something specific to capture your mother-daughter bond, there are plenty of options for that as well.
From upbeat tunes to soulful country ballads, and everything in between, dedicate this playlist to the person who knows you best.
"The Mother" by Brandi Carlile
"The Mother" is from Brandi Carlile's February 2018 album, By the Way, I Forgive You. It's a heartwarming homage to her daughter, Evangeline Ruth Carlile. More than a year later, the Grammy-winning singer finally released the long-awaited music video on May 8 to capture the song's triumphant lyrics.
Sweetest Lyric: "You are not an accident where no one thought it through. The world has stood against us, made us mean to fight for you. And when we chose your name, we knew that you'd fight the power too."
"My Mother & I" by Lucy Dacus
In April 2019, indie singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus released a brand new guitar-tinged song that doubles as both a Mother's Day tribute and astrological ode for Taurus season.
Sweetest Lyric: "The stars have a lot to say about women born in the month of May. We want love, warm, and forever."
"Two of Us" by Louis Tomlinson
In March 2019, former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson released the new solo song, "Two of Us," to honor his late mother, Johannah Deakin. Deakin died in 2016 at the age of 43 from leukemia.
Sweetest Lyric: "So I will keep you, day and night, here until the day I die. I'll be living one life for the two of us."
"Ring Off" by Beyoncé
On the 2013 reissue of Beyoncé's fifth self-titled album, she included a bonus song to uplift her mother, Tina Knowles Lawson, after her parents divorced in 2011.
Sweetest Lyric: "Always know that you've got a daughter that's so, so proud you took the high road."
"Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton
Country superstar Dolly Parton released "Coat of Many Colors" as the second single from her 1971 album of the same name. On the song, Parton sings about a coat her mother stitched together for her. The track served as the inspiration and title for a 2015 made-for-TV movie.
Sweetest Lyric: "Momma sewed the rags together, sewin' every piece with love. She made my coat of many colors that I was so proud of."
"A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men
"A Song for Mama" appeared on Boyz II Men's 1997 album, Evolution, and on the soundtrack for the '97 film, Soul Food. The '90s R&B group waxes on about a mother's nourishing and unconditional love.
Sweetest Lyric: "No one else can be what you have been to me. You will always be the girl in my life for all times."
"Dear Mama" by Tupac
In this 1995 musical open letter, the rapper, who tragically died in 1996, penned this tribute to his mother, Afeni Shakur. Part of Tupac's legacy is this popular hip-hop song, which celebrates his mother's strength, troubled past, and the sacrifices she made for him and his siblings.
Sweetest Lyric: "And there's no way I can pay you back, but my plan is to show you that I understand: you are appreciated."
"The Best Day" by Taylor Swift
Swift released this ode to her mother, Andrea Swift, from her 2008 album, Fearless. It's all about her mom's positive influence on her when she was growing up and the one special occasion they shared together.
Sweetest Lyric: "I love you for giving me your eyes, for staying back and watching me shine. And I didn't know if you knew, so I'm taking this chance to say that I had the best day with you today."
"The Wish" by Bruce Springsteen
If you're looking for the ultimate Mother's Day song, look no further than this song from Bruce Springsteen. "The Wish" is an outtake from his 1987 project, Tunnel of Love, and it's just the musical affirmation the special woman in your life needs to hear.
Sweetest Lyric: "And if it's a funny old world, mama, where a little boy's wishes come true, well I got a few in my pocket and a special one just for you."
"Sadie" by The Spinners
In the intro of "Sadie," the R&B group dedicates the 1974 soul song to the strong young mothers they grew up around. Since its release, the song has been sampled by notable hip-hop acts such as Jay-Z and Tupac.
Sweetest Lyric: "Sweeter than cotton candy. Stronger than papa's old brandy. Always that needed smile once in a while."
"Julia" by The Beatles
John Lennon of The Beatles wrote the 1968 song for both his deceased mother and the love of his life, Yoko Ono. It appeared on their magnum opus, the White Album.
Sweetest Lyric: "Her hair of floating sky is shimmering, glimmering in the sun. Julia, Julia. Morning moon, touch me. So I sing a song of love, Julia."
"The Baby" by Blake Shelton
The Voice judge and country singer confirmed to Genius that the 2002 song is "a sore spot" for him to perform because it's about a young son taking his mother for granted. Which, frankly, we're all guilty of sometimes.
Sweetest Lyric: "She'd laugh until she cried. I could do no wrong. She would always save me because I was her baby."
"Mama" by Spice Girls
The fun tribute was released by the '90s pop group in March 1997. On the song, the spirited girl group recalled all the times their mothers were there for them, even when they were rebellious.
Sweetest Lyric: "Back then I didn't know why you were misunderstood, Mama. So now I see through your eyes all that you did was love."
"Hey Mama" by Kanye West
It's well documented that rapper and producer Kanye West had a close relationship with his mother, Donda West, who unfortunately, died in 2007 after surgical complications. The touching 2005 song was just one token of his affection.
Sweetest Lyric: "See you're unbreakable, unmistakable, highly capable lady that's makin' loot. A livin' legend too, just look at what heaven do. Send us an angel, and I thank you."
"I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack
This 2000 award-winning song has stood the test of time for its relatable and heartwarming lyrics. It's a beautiful reminder on Mother's Day to cherish the simple things and the people in your life.
Sweetest Lyric: "Living might mean taking chances, but they're worth taking. Loving might be a mistake, but it's worth making."
"Mama Liked the Roses" by Elvis Presley
The legendary rock and country singer recorded this sentimental song in 1969, and it was later released on the 1970 re-release, Elvis' Christmas Album. It also boasts church bells and a brief monologue from Presley. If she's a country music fan, playing this song will be almost as good as gifting her a bouquet of flowers.
Sweetest Lyric: "Oh, mama liked the roses. But most of all she cared, about the way we learned to live and if we said our prayers."
"Don't Forget to Remember Me" by Carrie Underwood
In this touching tribute, country singer Carrie Underwood sings from the point of view of a mother who doesn't want her child to forget her on her journey to independence and self-discovery.
Sweetest Lyric: "Just one more thing before you leave: Don't forget to remember me."
"Hand That Rocks the Cradle" by Glen Campbell and Steve Wariner
A Mother's Day playlist isn't complete without Glen Campbell and Steve Wariner's heartfelt duet. The 1987 country song tells the story of a young boy who finds comfort and protection in his mom.
Sweetest Lyric: "There ought to be a hall of fame for mamas. Creation's most unique and precious pearls. And heaven help us always to remember that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world."
"You Can't Lose Me" by Faith Hill
Cue Faith Hill's 1995 song up when you need reassurance that your mom will always be there for you. The moving song is from her album, It Matters to Me, and it's perfect for mothers and daughters to sing along to on Mother's Day.
Sweetest Lyric: "You can't lose me. Bet your life I am here, and I will always be. Just a wish away. Wherever you go, no matter how far, my love is where you are."
"In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride
"In My Daughter’s Eyes" was the second single from contemporary country singer Martina McBride’s 2003 album, Martina. The song is written from a mother's perspective on how she wants to be remembered by her daughter when she's long gone.
Sweetest Lyric: "In my daughter's eyes I am a hero. I am strong and wise and I know no fear. But the truth is plain to see. She was sent to rescue me. I see who I want to be in my daughter's eyes."
Michelle is the Culture & News Writer for OprahMag.com, where she writes about celebrities (she considers herself an expert on Beyoncé and Reese Witherspoon), plus the latest in pop-culture news, binge-worthy TV shows, and movies. The transplanted Southerner turned ambitious New Yorker lives her best life by listening to hip-hop and Pod Save America, watching The Office on repeat, quoting Oprah-isms, eating dessert before dinner, and avoiding avocado. Seriously, she doesn’t get the hype.
It should say, “Michelle is the former Culture & News Writer for Oprahmag.com...”
Grant Rindner is a culture and music journalist in New York. He has written for Billboard, Complex, and i-D, among other outlets.
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